Hijxs de internet
The final project for the “Theory and Aesthetics of Media” course involves creating a personal representation video focusing on media and technology. Specifically, it will explore the use of social media, understanding them as the central means of interconnection among people, facilitating constant exchange of digital content across various platforms.
In the context of an eternal present, where the future seems to offer more problems than solutions and the past remains obscured, the ability to step out of the current moment holds significant reflective power. Through a genealogy of social media platforms from our pre-adolescence to the present day, we aim to rethink and revisit these platforms that have shaped and educated us, enriching our communication methods and cultural landscape.
To understand the emergence of social media, it is essential to characterize the postmodern society in which they arise. Byung Chul Han's perspective on a society of transparency and exposure, governed by communication through social networks, provides valuable insights. These platforms deepen the values of transparency and demand individuals to abandon their privacy, transforming everything into commodities.
Windows Messenger marked our first interaction with virtual others, introducing us to a new virtual realm where identities were crafted and communication occurred outside the constraints of physicality or official identification. Subsequent platforms like Fotolog intensified the culture of visibility, fostering a continuous exchange of personal lives and promoting voyeuristic tendencies.
Facebook revolutionized social media by offering a platform for constructing detailed online profiles and sharing various forms of content. It accelerated the pace of communication, further blurring the lines between private and public spheres, and introducing the concept of validation through likes. Twitter introduced a new form of discourse, characterized by brevity and rapid dissemination of information. Its limited character count encouraged concise expression, fostering a culture of fast-paced, superficial communication. Instagram reinstated the primacy of visual content, intertwining exposure with notions of beauty and positivity. Influencers on the platform epitomize hegemonic beauty standards, perpetuating an idealized image of a flawless and happy life. TikTok represents a new paradigm, driven by short-form videos tailored to individual preferences through sophisticated algorithms. It emphasizes entertainment over self-presentation, appealing particularly to younger demographics and challenging traditional notions of social media engagement.
In navigating this evolving landscape of social media, it's crucial to heed Neil Postman's warnings about the power dynamics inherent in technological development. These platforms shape our perceptions, redefine social norms, and influence our understanding of truth and knowledge.